The South Etobicoke News

Serving Humber * Mimico * Lakeshore Village * Long Branch * Alderwood

Popular craft brewer now making hand sanitizer

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One of South Etobicoke’s popular craft brewer Great Lakes Brewery is now making in-demand hand sanitizer to help curb a shortage as a result of COVID-19.

GLB’s owner Peter Bulut says the company purchased a still just when the pandemic hit Ontario and has ‘been working on perfecting it (sanitizer) ever since.’

“Hand sanitizer will be continued to be produced at GLB for the near future,” Bulut says, adding the brewery had always inspired to use its unsold beer to distil into sanitizer.

They applied and quickly received a licence from Health Canada to produce, and sell, the sought-after cleansing item.

“Turns out it was a bit tougher to produce than we first thought,” Bulut explains. “The recipe from the World Health Organizations (WHO) is relativity easy but to make the sanitizer, complete with a gel consistency, was the hard part. “

He insists another challenge was to obtain bottles and caps.

“It still seems North America is sold out so that was a huge hurdle,” the beermaker says. “Moving forward we hope to produce spirits here at GLB.”

The alcohol content of the sanitizer is 75%. Health Canada recommends 60% (minimum), but they wanted to have higher than ‘minimum standards.’

“You may or may not find the sanitizer reminiscent of spirits because that’s what it’s made from,” Bulut says. “We didn’t want to add any fragrance as some people have allergies.”

The hand sanitizer cost $8 for a 235-ml bottle or $70 for a case, which includes nine 500-ml bottles.

The 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd. brewery has been producing craft beer for more than 30-years and is known for its seasonal ales, bottled conditional releases, year-round ales and premium lagers to their 7 Barrel and Tank Ten series of beers.

Visit them at www.greatlakesbeer.com

Beware of Quarantine Puppy Internet pet scam

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Area residents are being warned of the ‘Quarantine Puppy’ scam in which families affected by COVID-19 are ripped off while trying to purchase non-existent pets on the Internet.

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) says the puppy scam has led to many pet-owners losing large amounts of money as they try to purchase pets to help them cope with quarantine or self-isolation during this pandemic.

The BBB says puppy and other pet scams have spiked since COVID-19 first hit, with more reports about fraudulent pet websites in April than in the first three months of 2020 combined.

Some families obeying stay-at-home orders have taken to the Web to look for a pet. Many have come across scammers who advertise on websites for animals that don’t exist and are never shipped.

The BBB is warning that the coronavirus has led to scammers asking for money up front, or to make virus-related excuses as to why buyers can’t see the pet in person.

The perspective pet purchasers are left devastated and heartbroken when they find out that they have been conned.

“Scammers frequently take advantage of the news to find new avenues for targeting victims,” BBB officials say. “The uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, along with some quarantined families’ decision to adopt a pet sight unseen, has created fertile ground for fraudsters.”

Victims tell the BBB they wanted a puppy to help them cope with isolation and brighten their lives during the pandemic.

The victims were often told that they have to send money for climate-controlled crates, insurance and a (non-existent) COVID-19 vaccine. There are instances where the pet lover wanted to see or pick-up the animal but were told that wasn’t possible due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Victims reported losing from $300 to $5,000 each to conmen in the fake puppy scam.

Police say animal-lovers should reach out to their local shelters to adopt a pet; don’t buy a pet without seeing it in person; avoid wiring money, or using a cash app or gift card and research the prices of the breed you want.

You can also search photos of the pups to see If they are also featured on other scam websites.

If you feel you have been defrauded call your local police at 426-808-2200.

Accused serial community arsonist behind bars

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Mid-Etobicoke residents were worried and installing security cameras after three fires were deliberately set to homes and cars in a week.
A man, who is accused of being an arsonist, has been rounded up by Toronto Police after three fires were set at homes in which three vehicles were torched.

Police in a release say the fires were set from May 13 to May 20 to homes in the Eglinton Ave. W. and Highway 427 area.

Detectives say in the first fire on May 13 a man walked up to a house in the Royal York Rd. and Eglinton Ave. W. area and poured a combustible liquid on the window sill and ignited it. The suspect took off.

Two days later, according to police, a man again walked up to a house in the Eglinton Ave. W. and Renforth Dr. area and poured a combustible liquid on two vehicles parked in the driveway and ignited them.
On May 20, just three days later, there was another incident when a similar man walked up to a home in the Eglinton Ave. W. and Renforth Dr. area and poured a liquid on a vehicle in the driveway and set it on fire.

Police after much work have now charged Philip Di Meo, 33, of Toronto, with three counts of Arson Endanger Human Life, two counts of Mischief Over $5,000, one count of Mischief Under $5,000 and three counts of Fail to Comply with a Release Order.

He appeared in court last month at 2201 Finch Avenue W.

Working hard to clean up the litter in our community

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Its warm weather time which means more litter to clean up in our community.

Teams of residents have been working hard to do their part in cleaning up cigarette butts, pieces of plastic, including tons of coffee cups and other litter which is an eyesore for many.

New Toronto realtor Trish Buchanan and neighbour Carol Cormier are finishing up a 30-day litter clean up challenge targeting lakefront parks and green spaces.

They regularly take plastic bags and would spend up to two hours several times weekly picking up litter at Samuel Smith Park, Cliff Lumsdon Park, Prince of Wales Park and sometimes Marie Curtis Park.

“We have spent weeks working on Sam Smith Park because it is the largest,” says Buchanan. “Prince of Wales on Second Street is the worst because it is constant due to the parking lot.”

She says they also pick up bags of litter from other areas, which are usually cleaned by the City but that service has been reduced due to COVID-19.

“People still toss out their garbage in this day and age,” she explains. “This practice has to stop.”

Buchanan says everyone is welcome to join, all they need is some plastic bags, gloves and find an area which requires cleaning.

“We usually take out six or eight bags of litter every time we come here,” she says. “I spend a lot of time climbing over the rocks pulling out the garbage stuck inside.”

Cormier says the activity keeps them both in shape and spending quality time outside.

Residents of Humber Bay Shores have also been meeting every Sunday morning at 9 a.m. to clean up their area, which includes the tracks and trails. They usually meet near the Eden Trattoria restaurant.

They will be there on June 7 if you want to join them to clean up the area. Volunteers are required.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Chief takes to his knee in anti-racism demo

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Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders took to his knee and joined anti-racism protestors marching for equality and in support of George Floyd, who was killed by U.S. police.

Saunders, and a few officers, took part in a march on June 5 in downtown Toronto. Another march decrying racism will take place on June 6.

“My Command and I met protesters today and we took a knee,” the Chief said on Twitter. “We see you and we are listening.”

Toronto’s first Black police Chief told protestors we are living through a historic period.

“We are in a moment of time that will change the course of history,” Saunders said. “Not only our history as the Toronto Police Service or law enforcement but as a society in Canada and North America.’

Many in our community have taken to social media to express support for U.S. protestors who have been demonstrating, and clashing with police, for almost two weeks since Floyd was killed by a Minneapolis cop.

Local artist Amanda Cotton shared online a beautiful sketch she composed of Floyd, which was shared by many residents.

“This was sketched last Friday with a very heavy heart and many tears shed as a tribute to him and all others suffering through this time,” Cotton explained. “I was humbled and heartbroken by the tragic death the world got to witness.”

Adrianna Tansek says the sketch paid a “nice tribute” to Floyd.

“.. there is no other time than now that the human race need to come together and unite as one,” she Tweeted.

Resident Elena Fiorenza says the artwork can be sold to help raise money for a GoFundMe page set up to help his daughter.

Many other sites and pages have popped up on social media in support of the Floyd family.

Some area residents have even taken to compiling a list of Black-owned businesses to patronize in light of the systemic racism, which they say, are faced by some.

Pharmacist Russell was twice Mayor of New Toronto

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The Don Russell name has been well-known and respected in the New Toronto area for some 87-years and counting.

Russell’s pharmacy with its blue sign has been part of the community since 1933 at the same Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street location.

Russell, a native of Norval, Ont., graduated from the University of Toronto and started his landmark store soon afterwards

He always loved politics and was Mayor of New Toronto for two terms from 1954 to 1967.

The local resident was doing well and by 1950 had three booming pharmacies in Etobicoke to his name.

Energetic and well-known in the community, he gave of time and belonged to a range of organizations; including the Lakeshore Lions, Kingsway Shriners, the Lakeshore Paraplegic Society, the Red Cross, and the New Toronto Library Board.

The pharmacist knew many of the area’s politicians at the time and politics was always close to his heart. Russell entered the fray by winning a one-year term on the Etobicoke School Board in 1948.

He gained confidence and soon won a spot on Etobicoke City Council, where he stayed for two terms. He was making quite a name for himself and ran and won the Mayor’s chair, where he sat for 13-years.

By all accounts Russell was a fairly popular politician, who could be approached and generally cared about the well-being of the community.

As Mayor he and other Etobicoke politicians on Metro Council were against the construction in 1954 of a subway at the time and demanded that fares remain the same in all parts of the city, since Etobicoke was viewed as the outskirts of Toronto.

He then served on Metro Council and was elected to the new Board of Control when Toronto amalgamated with Etobicoke in 1998.

The pharmacist-turned-politician was married to Dorothy Reynolds since 1935 and they had two children, Beverly and Robert, who also became a pharmacist and joined his father’s practice after graduation, according to local historian Denise Harris.
Russell passed away from a heart attack in December 1971 at his Lakeshore Dr., home.

A park at Humber College facility, on Birmingham St., was renamed Don Russell Memorial Park in his honour.

Son Bob carried on the family business until retiring. Today “Don Russell Drugs” still carries on and few seem to be aware of the long political history behind the store, which has new owners.

with files by Denise Harris

Residents help to get a gun off our streets

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Another weapon removed from our streets.

Residents in the Brown’s Line and Evans Ave. area are being credited for helping police to remove a deadly weapon off our streets.

Police say the .40 calibre Smith & Wesson handgun and an extended magazine was left behind by an absent-minded suspect who was shopping at an area store on June 1 just after 3:38 p.m. in broad daylight.

The man left the store, according to a police release, and forgot his bag containing the weapon, which was found by shoppers in the store who immediately called police.

It didn’t take a major investigation because a short time later the accused returned to the store to retrieve his bag containing the Smith & Wesson, but was quickly taken into custody by waiting cops.

A man identified as Nigel Lopez, 21, of Toronto, faces 14 criminal charges, including possession of a loaded restricted firearm weapons dangerous, mischief, escape lawful custody and three counts of possession of a restricted weapon knowing no authority.

He appeared in court at 2201 Finch Avenue West on June 2.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 416-808-2200.

 

FOOD Review: Some Top Tasty Take-out food places in the community

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South Etobicoke is blessed with a number of very good Indian restaurants and this cuisine tends to lend itself to takeout, as it travels and reheats well without any loss of flavour or texture.
Here are some Top Tasty Community Favourite Take-outs which won’t disappoint as reviewed by Wayne Gibson, of the South Etobicoke News.

From the Mediterranean Shore of Syria to
Mimico, Mooring Eats, 2481 Lake Shore Blvd. W. 416-253-7171,  has rapidly made a name for itself with its superb Middle
Eastern dishes. Try their homemade Baba Ghanoush as an appetizer and their Shish Tawook Plate with two sides and a main.  Good take out service, delicious food and a hit on social media. Many residents love the food, which they describe as honest without cutting corners. Its no wonder why they have gained a loyal following.
Serving the Mimico Community for many years, Kothur,2356 Lake Shore Blvd., W., 416-253-5047,  has
earned a reputation for serving quality Indian dishes at
reasonable prices. Try their Shrimp Biryani–shrimp in a tasty
basmati rice matrix with subtle spicing—or their Dal Makani—
dark lentils perfectly spiced. Open for both lunch and dinner.
Further West, in the heart of Alderwood, is Feast of Dilli, 378 Brown’s Line, 647-348-4567, serving reasonably priced Indian dishes. For a milder dish, try their butter chicken and for those liking the heat, the lamb
vindaloo is highly recommended. Again, Cheetah Beer can
be taken out from this Brown’s Line favourite.
Check Merlot, 2994 Bloor St., W., 416-236-0081, for Classic French bistro-style cuisine; for a different dish, try their confit of duck with your choice of wine, followed by a chocolate mousse dessert. Well-liked and has a loyal following. Open now for takeout and delivery.
Black Angus, 3250 Bloor St. W., 416-233-7406, has been serving the community fine steaks for 50 years, now with plenty more menu options. Takeout oràcurbside delivery, or if you wish to wait for full opening, buy
some gift cards now to be ready to enjoy a full dining room
experience later. Half-price wine.
Souvlaki Hut Greek Taverna, 3080 Bloor St. W. 416-
233-2090, Classic Greek cuisine that is well-prepared with quality
ingredients: chicken souvlaki, either in a pita or as a main
course, is excellent. Another Greek favourite, Moussaka, also
makes for a tasty takeout dinner and a vegetarian option is also
available. Tasty take-outs that won’t fail.

Things to do in the community to keep you busy

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JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE FOR YOUNG WOMEN EMPOWERMENT is operating virtual programs in June and
July. Contact 416-253-9797 or email
info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca
LAMP COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE remains closed
until further notice. LAMP is offering some virtual
programs like Mindfulness and Wellness workshops
on Zoom. A four week online mindfulness workshop series
helps people to manage and control their mental health. It takes place June
9, 16, 23 and 30 at 3 p.m. The takeaway meal
program has been expanded to 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 Monday through Saturday
where people can pick up a free takeaway meal at the Birmingham entrance.
The EarlyON services at LAMP will distribute new
and used books free to families in June. For more
information call EarlyON at 416-252-8293. Online
wellness workshops focusing on nurturing your spirit
during COVID-19 takes place June 17 at 2 p.m. and
June 24 at 2 p.m. LAMP is hiring young people for
eight summer job positions thanks to federal funding. To register call or
email jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471 ext. 308.
HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY HAS SHUT MOST of its
programs and services due to COVID 19 but will
continue to serve its food bank users by
appointment and pick-up at their 1533 The
Queensway office. Call 416-640-2005 to make
arrangements to access the Haven food bank, First
Care or other services still open.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING,
Al-Anon is a mutual support group for those whose
lives are affected by someone’s drinking. Meetings
are free and anonymous. Long Branch Al-Anon
Group meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at LAMP, 185
Fifth St. Also Kingsway Al-Anon Group meets every
Monday at 8 p.m. at St. Georges on the Hill Church,
4600 Dundas St. W.
MOST PROGRAMS AT STOREFRONT HUMBER,at 2445 Lake
Shore Blvd. W., are cancelled with only essential
services, like personal care, support or respite
provided. For more call 416-257-4207 or visit
sfh@storefronthumber.ca
THE LAKESHORE ENVIRONMENTAL GARDENING
SOCIETY (LEGS) is holding its Plant Exchange that
runs from May 15 to June 15. Plants can be picked
up or dropped off at a number of local locations.
Just look for the green Plant Library & Exchange
Sign. They also have a food forest garden with
permaculture and organic principles at the Daily
Bread Food Bank, at 191 New Toronto St. You can
pick up for drop off plants at: Mimico Baptist Church,
80 Hillside Ave., on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.; The Healing Muse Apothecary, 2859 Lake
Shore Blvd. W., Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m.
to 5 p.m.; Primrose Ave. and Lake Shore
Blvd. W., Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also at the north-east corner of Park Blvd., and
Long Branch Ave., on June 6, June 7, June 13 and
14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Lake Promenade
and 23rd Street on June 4. LEGS can be reached at
416-347-5449 or: info@legsetobicoke.ca
DONATE TO WOMEN’S HABITAT OF ETOBICOKE
Emergency Fund to help purchase the specific
needs of women and children as food, diapers, baby
formula and program supplies for children and
youth. Contact Lina Almanzan at 416-252-7949
ext. 232 or by email lalmanzan@womens-habitat.ca
FREE ONLINE WELLNESS KIT TO KEEP YOU calm so
you can carry on featuring a workout video focused
on gentle stretching to reduce stress, a selfhypnosis MP3 created for the situation, relaxing
body scanned guided imagery and a selfcompassion exercise to be kind to you. Visit us as
www.holistichappinessworkshops.com
HUMBER COLLEGE DISPUTE RESOLUTION CLINIC is
offering a free online service delivery to support
community members with access to; conflict
coaching, tips and strategies on conflict deescalation techniques and facilitated mediations.
Trained alternative dispute resolution (ADR) student
advisors and mediators from the community are
available by appointment to help by emailing
northdrc@ignitestudentlife.com
TIMOTHY’S PUB HAS LAUNCHED A fundraiser to help
the Salvation Army food bank. Owner Tim Brem
says $1 from the sale of their customer fave
chippers goes directly to the Salvation Army, at 5
Thirtieth St. The pub, at 344 Brown’s Line, has
helped raise funds for many area non-profits
including the Royal Canadian Legion #101 Long
Branch. They are open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and
you can call 416-201-9515 for takeout or delivery.
THE DEMAND FOR FOOD IS SO HIGH DUE TO COVID-19
that a new warehouse has been opened up by the
Daily Bread Food Bank and partners to help feed
the needy. The new space, at 40 Butterick Rd., will
help serve as a distribution hub for more than
60,000 food boxes, or 1,000 pallets for those experiencing hunger. To donate visit dailybread.ca

Community prays for the George Floyd family

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South Etobicoke residents are transfixed on protests taking place in Minneapolis and other cities across the U.S. following the killing of George Floyd by police.
People in our community are praying for their neighbours down south and for those in the Black community who are seeking dignity and respect.

Residents here are monitoring the destruction, which included the burning down of a police station, which is taking place in the U.S. in the wake of the death of George, a handcuffed Black man who pleaded for air as a white police officer kneeled on his neck for about eight minutes.

Hand-made signs, as this one, have appeared in New Toronto and elsewhere in the community in which residents makes note of the racial protests that have split U.S. communities.